EVE-NG vs Containerlab

EVE-NG9.0Visit Containerlab8.6Visit

Higher score EVE-NG #3 in Network Simulation Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit EVE-NG

vs

Containerlab #7 in Network Simulation Software 8.6/10 Open source ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Containerlab

• EVE-NG fits best

  Large multivendor browser-based labs

• Containerlab fits best

  Automated containerized network labs

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Side by side

Feature	EVE-NG 9.0/10 Visit ↗	Containerlab 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.6
Ranking	#3 in Network Simulation Software	#7 in Network Simulation Software
Best for	Large multivendor browser-based labs	Automated containerized network labs
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	€150/yr	Open source
Free plan	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Live chat, Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features EVE-NG 3/3 · Containerlab 0/3
Real-time emulation	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Hardware-in-the-loop	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Automation API	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Simulation model	Emulation	Not checked yet
Deployment options	Server	Not checked yet
Documented node limit	1024 nodes	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Supports up to 1,024 nodes per lab on paid plans Combines Docker, Wireshark, clustering and link-quality controls Provides multiuser labs, configuration import/export and a REST-style JSON API	YAML topology definitions cover nodes, links, and lab settings. Supports container and virtual-machine network operating systems. Includes lifecycle controls, HTTP automation, CI workflows, and Kubernetes deployment.
Cons	The Freemium edition is limited to 7 nodes per EVE instance Freemium accounts are admin-only Base pricing starts at €150 per year, billed annually	Self-hosted deployment places infrastructure responsibility on the team. Some network OS images may require separate vendor access or licensing. AI-assisted features are not included.
Our verdict	EVE-NG is a clientless network emulation platform for network, security and DevOps professionals. Enterprises, training providers, individuals and collaborators can use it to build virtual proof-of-concept, testing and training… Read the review →	Containerlab is a self-hosted command-line tool for building, deploying, wiring, and managing container-based network labs. It is designed for network engineers, developers, educators, and infrastructure teams that need repeatable… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• EVE-NG — where it wins

  • Supports up to 1,024 nodes per lab on paid plans
  • Combines Docker, Wireshark, clustering and link-quality controls
  • Provides multiuser labs, configuration import/export and a REST-style JSON API

  Where it doesn't

  • The Freemium edition is limited to 7 nodes per EVE instance
  • Freemium accounts are admin-only
  • Base pricing starts at €150 per year, billed annually

• Containerlab — where it wins

  • YAML topology definitions cover nodes, links, and lab settings.
  • Supports container and virtual-machine network operating systems.
  • Includes lifecycle controls, HTTP automation, CI workflows, and Kubernetes deployment.

  Where it doesn't

  • Self-hosted deployment places infrastructure responsibility on the team.
  • Some network OS images may require separate vendor access or licensing.
  • AI-assisted features are not included.

• EVE-NG9.0/10 · Free plan

  A broad emulation platform for large, collaborative multivendor network labs.

  Visit EVE-NGFull verdict →
• Containerlab8.6/10 · Open source

  A capable open-source choice for automated, multivendor network lab orchestration.

  Visit ContainerlabFull verdict →